| Contents Notes |
"How Well Do We Really Understand Life On Earth? We know that all its complexity and diversity are necessary for our well-being. We know that life on Earth makes us unique in the solar system. But, did you ever consider that with no soil there would be no life? Know Soil, Know Life will introduce you to an amazing world - the world beneath your feet. Soil is the foundation our natural living world depends on, the often-unappreciated substance of life, the dynamic material that civilization is built upon, the critical zone of the earth. Soil is not dirt. Soil Is Life! Who Is This Book For? High school students studying environmental science or participating in an Envirothon or Science Olympiad will find Know Soil, Know Life is an easily accessible resource. Undergraduate students in introductory ecology classes will have a manageable soils textbook. But this book is for all ages. Everyone interested in being more environmentally conscious - the urban dweller, the young naturalist, the home gardener- can find something of interest. What Is There To Learn About Soils? You will see how an understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, and ecology will open your eyes to the complexity of the world underfoot and all life on Earth. You will learn the language that soil scientists use to communicate with each other. You will see that soils are different, dynamic, and constantly changing. When left alone soils are resilient, but as we use them for our own purposes they can become fragile. Understanding soils helps us make wise land-use decisions, whether we are managing public lands, agricultural lands, the construction of roads or buildings, waste management efforts, wetlands and other water resources, or even our own backyards! Soil science helps us to grow healthy food for the world. You will learn that soils dictated the rise and fall of ancient civilizations and have been a recurring theme in art and literature. Soils are the foundation of life as we know it on Earth. It is in our own best interest - and the interest of humanity at large - to learn about soils and preserve this valuable resource. Know Soil, Know Life brings soils to life and invites readers to look at soils in new and exciting ways." -- |
